Housing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

**Sign-on bonus available per AHCS policy**

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Housing Specialist to support our new Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing service coordination, screening and assessment, and administering rental assistance. Essential to this role is the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing assistance providers. The Housing Specialist will serve as a liaison between tenants, case managers, and landlords, and will also coordinate with the finance department to monitor PSH grant funds and rental assistance payments.

Key Responsibilities

• Housing Identification & Support: Identify individuals who meet PSH program criteria, assist them in finding safe and affordable housing, and provide support throughout the housing process, including temporary housing placement, application submissions, and lease signing.

  Tenancy Stabilization & Life Skills Education: Help individuals meet tenancy obligations, provide life skills education (budgeting, apartment upkeep, etc.), mediate landlord-tenant issues, and conduct Home Quality Standards (HQS) inspections.

  Client Assessment, Coordination & Advocacy: Conduct individual screenings and housing assessments, develop service plans, and assist individuals in obtaining community services information and referrals.

  Program Compliance & Data Management: Document individuals' progress, maintain records according to program policies, and enter required information into EHR and databases.

  Training & Collaboration: Provide training on Housing First principles and fair housing laws, and work collaboratively with PSH Case Managers and other service-providing agencies.

  Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field is preferred. Experience with housing and/or HUD programs is also preferred.

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles of Housing First, tenant-landlord, and fair housing laws.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of housing and social work practices, particularly resources for individuals with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and their families.

  • Skilled in promoting the integration of services among various agencies.

  • Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment, and produce clear and concise reports.

  • Ability to handle confidential files and cases with considerable discretion.

Candidates who are offered a position must undergo a background check, including social services review, and drug screen. Virginia has restrictions on hiring individuals with certain convictions. Here is the list: -2rev072019.pdf - -2rev072019.pdf